The bluegill (Lepomis
macrochirus) is a species of freshwater fish. It is a member of
the sunfish family (family Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes.
It is native to a wide area of North America, from Québec
to northern Mexico, and has been widely transplanted to stock
gamefish for anglers. Of typical sunfish body shape, the bluegill's
most notable feature is the blue or black "ear", actually
an extension of the gill cover called the opercular flap. It can
be distinguished from similar species by the (not always pronounced)
vertical bars along its flanks. The bluegill grows to a maximum
overall length of approximately 40 cm (16 in).

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Bluegills are
popular gamefish, caught with both flies and live bait, chiefly
at dawn and dusk. They are noted for seeking out underwater vegetation
for cover; their natural diet consist largely of small invertebrates
and very small fish. Because of their size and the method of cooking
them, bluegills are often called panfish. In some locations where
it has been transplanted, it is considered a pest; trade in the
species is prohibited in Germany.
Above Images Come From The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service